Blundellsands’ Jamie Burdekin has returned from the Beijing Paralympics with a bronze medal

BLUNDELLSANDS’ Jamie Burdekin celebrated his Paralympics bronze in style at the weekend, with a Big Mac.

The 28-year-old, along with quad doubles partner Peter Norfolk, secured victory over the Dutch pairing of Dorrie Timmermans-Van Hall and Bas Van Erp in an epic bronze medal match that lasted nearly three hours.

Burdekin, a close friend of Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, sealed the 6-7 (4), 7-4, 6-1 victory with an exquisite drop, and the Bootle-born ace had only one thing on his mind after securing bronze.

He said: “I think I’ll celebrate with a Big Mac meal. We’ve been having rabbit food for the last few months and behaving ourselves. I’m looking forward to having a nice big, fat burger in me.”

“I wouldn’t have been allowed home without a medal. Seriously, Liverpool would not have opened the gates for me. It feels like a gold medal.

“The bottom line is I’m going home with a medal. That was our goal at the start of the tournament and we’ve done it, so happy days.

“Things go against you sometimes. I think it evened out in the end because I think some of our shots might have been half an inch out.

“You’ve just got to play to the umpire. Obviously you’ve got to say something, you’ve just got to make them know that you’re there and you’re not happy about the point.

“The Quadfather? I don’t want to say too many nice things about him in front of him, but it is an honour to be on the same court as him.”

And the fondly named Quadfather – who went on to win the singles title 24 hours later – paid tribute to his team mate.

Norfolk, 47, said: “He’s done fantastic stuff. This is his first Paralympics and this is unbelievable as there is massive pressure.

“I’m the old campaigner of the team but Jamie has only played a few tournaments and will get better.”

Lloyds TSB, proud first partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of ParalympicsGB on their journey to 2012.